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<p>The British High Commission received an invitation to an open briefing for Diplomatic
Missions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 12 November. In line with the EU and
other major diplomatic partners in Colombo our Head of Mission did not attend, although
some partner countries sent more junior diplomatic staff.</p><p>The High Commissioner,
together with other senior diplomats in Colombo, had one meeting with the Speaker
in his office in Parliament during the period when Parliament was prorogued. During
the period he and senior colleagues met the President and other Sri Lankan political
leaders on a number of occasions.</p><p>We were deeply concerned by the recent political
developments in Sri Lanka, and made statements on 26 and 29 October, and 9 November,
calling on all parties to uphold the constitution and due legal and political process.
We also made a statement on 17 December, welcoming the steps that were taken to resolve
the crisis, which has now led to the appointment of a Cabinet of Ministers. The outcome
is a welcome demonstration of the resilience of Sri Lanka's judicial and democratic
institutions, and of effective checks and balances between state powers. The UK will
continue to stand by Sri Lanka as a close partner and friend, supporting Sri Lanka
as it works to deliver sustainable and accountable reform, to improve governance and
safeguard human rights.</p>
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